New Border Controls Challenge Schengen Ideals

Germany's recent reintroduction of border controls has sparked concerns across the EU. These controls, aimed at curbing irregular migration, have disrupted the seamless travel once emblematic of the Schengen Zone.

In cities like Frankfurt an der Oder and Słubice, residents who routinely cross borders for work or daily errands now face delays and inspections. While some citizens support the checks for security reasons, others fear the erosion of cross-border cooperation.

The move has drawn criticism from neighboring countries and raised fears of a domino effect that could threaten the Schengen Agreement's core principles.